Some individuals may experience an increase in intracranial pressure as the result of brain trauma or altitude sickness. If left untreated, this can cause papilledema, a swelling of the optic disc. Some people may have headaches, while others may not express any symptoms at all. The associated vision loss is most often bilateral, meaning it affects both eyes. Treatment is based on the underlying cause and may involve medications that help the body absorb the excess fluid causing the pressure.

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